Travel Tips - Pitstops for Kids

How to protect your home while on vacation

September 10, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

When you’re traveling with your family, the last thing you want to think about is whether or not your home or property is at risk. Unfortunately, when you travel, that’s the prime time for criminals to strike. They’re more clever than you might think, and they may be aware when you leave town based on things like the lights being used in your home or something you post on social media.

You don’t want to come back to theft or damage when you travel, so with that in mind, the following are some tips to protect your home when you’re on vacation.

How to protect your home while you are on vacation: learn these steps!

Be Careful About Social Media

Social media is such a common part of our daily lives, and you might like sharing vacation photos, but be cautious that if your profiles are public, thieves can see them too.

You should either avoid posting that you’ll be traveling or are currently away. If you post about your vacation, double-check all of your security settings.

You can always wait until you’re back from your trip to share vacation pictures.

Visually Monitor Your Home When You’re Away

There are many great options available so that you can keep an eye on your home no matter where you are, on your phone, or your mobile device. Monitoring your home isn’t just helpful when you’re on vacation. You can also set it up so that you can watch your teen when they’re home from school, for example, or if you have a nanny or sitter.

You can use a camera or maybe a couple inside and outside of your home. They will transmit images or video to your WiFi router, so you can monitor the area in the camera’s view from your mobile device.

Depending on the type of camera you use, the images or video might be stored on a computer, a network hard drive, or in the cloud.

Video doorbells are incredibly popular right now and are helpful not only when you’re away from your house but also when you’re in your home if someone comes to your door.

If you have a doorbell camera, you’ll be able to see not only if someone is poking around but also if you get a delivery or package so that you can have someone put it away before it catches the eye of a would-be thief.

Many video doorbells will feature a motion sensor that will give you a mobile alert and initiate HD video recording.

Another type of technology that will provide you with home security is outdoor lighting equipped with a Wi-Fi camera. Some of these lights will send an alert to your smartphone if movement is detected, and you may be able to speak to someone who’s there or trigger an alarm.

Set Timers On Your Lights

If you have smart home technology, it’s easy to set timers on everything while you’re gone, including lights. If you can change up the lights and have them turn on and off throughout your trip, it’ll make it look like someone is home.

Have Someone Get Your Mail and Trash

Criminals will look in your mailbox if they think you’re away, and if mail is stacked up, their suspicions maybe confirmed. If trash piles up or you have packages stacked at the doorstep, again, it can tip off a criminal that you aren’t home.

It’s essential to have someone come when you’re away and handle these things because there’s also the risk of identity theft if your packages or mail is left out.

Avoiding Fires

It’s not just the potential for an intruder you want to think about if you’re heading out on a family vacation.

You also want to avoid the risk of a fire.

You should unplug electronics and make sure that you’ve stored anything combustible safely away.

You can include fire alarm monitoring with your security system.

Preventing Flooding

Finally, you, of course, don’t want to return to flooding or water damage. You should make sure that you install water sensors or a flood detection system. These will let you know if there’s a leak in your home, so even if you’re away, you might be able to send someone to your house to fix it before the issue becomes more extensive.

Test your sump pump before you leave and clear any debris from your ditches and drains. You should also clean your downspouts and gutters before you head out.

Back-to-School products that double for travel

September 9, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

I’m always a bit sad when it’s time to buy back-to-school gear, because it means the long summer travel season is over. However, autumn day trips and weekend getaways are always in our future, so I find I’m still thinking ‘travel’ when it comes to fall purchases and the kids’ school supplies. This year, I’ve found the best new back-to-school products that pull double-duty during family trips!

Back-to-school products that double for travel:

The following products are either already on your back-to-school shopping list, or should be, and you just don’t know it yet! Ready?

High Sierra Modi backpack:

Your kids need school backpacks, but you hate buying a new one each year, right? Unlike cheap big box store backpacks, High Sierra backpacks last multiple years (and multiple kids), plus they’re rugged enough for travel days. The High Sierra Modi comes in color combinations that appeal to both girls and boys, from young kids to teens, and includes both a tablet and laptop sleeve for those long flights. Best of all, High Sierra has it on crazy sale right now. Pick up this $100 backpack for as low as under $20 right now on Amazon!

Matt’s Munchies:

You’re looking for new, healthy snacks for the kids’ lunches, and Matt’s Munchies dried fruit is both the perfect school snack and road trip food. These non-GMO, gluten-free, organic fruit snacks blow their character-shaped, artificial counterparts out of the water. In flavors like island mango, banana coconut, and apple, these fruit snacks are shaped like the thin fruit roll-ups of our generation, but in small squares that are easy to peel off the wax paper. And one package is enough for a substantial snack. Pick up Matt’s Munchies in packs of 10 on Amazon!

Phenom nutritional shake:

Normally, we don’t promote health drinks or protein powders on Pit Stops for Kids, simply because we’re not health experts. That disclaimer said, Phenom’s Young Athlete has been working well for us as a healthy drink between school and practice for our teens, and doubles as a portable road trip food. You can mix Young Athlete with tap water, which makes it easy to bring along on trips, and it has no artificial colors, flavors, or gluten. We tried both vanilla and chocolate and my teens really like the chocolate…like chocolate milk, only with more protein.

SIC Glacier:

I have a new favorite way to sip hot and cold beverages on the morning school commute! SIC cups come in 30 ounce or 24 ounce double-walled stainless steel tumblers, with included clear plastic lids that stay on surprisingly well. Contents in your SIC cup may spill if in a backpack, but in a cup holder of your car, these tumblers are ideal. The first time I used mine, I put ice water in my SIC en route to a local lake on a hot day, then left it in the car for five hours while we enjoyed the lake. When I got back in the car for the ride home, the water was still ice cold, the ice not having melted. I was sold! My SIC Glacier comes on all car trips now! Pick up a 30 ounce SIC Glacier on Amazon for $39.95 (worth the price, I promise!).

CleverCrates:

Perfect for everything from a dorm room to the back seat of the car, CleverCrates by CleverMade are utilitarian crates that hold over 80 pounds of gear each…but collapse to almost nothing when not in use. We keep a few in the car at all times, so we’re ready for gear storage when we go on camping trips, when the kids’ friends pile into the car with their sports equipment, or when I need to stock up on food for a weekend away. It’s great to have the ability to organize stuff in the back of the car, but not have a permanent set of compartments for when we don’t need them. Pick up CleverCrates in 3-packs on Amazon for under $45!

SnapBaskets:

A close cousin of the CleverCrate, SnapBaskets are collapsible shopping bags with a strong, rigid bottom that keeps the bags upright in the car. They come in a variety of sizes, and since they fold down flat, they’re easy to store between uses. I use them every grocery shopping trip at home, but also bring them along on road trips for when I need an extra bag. I’ve put them to use when we’ve visited farm stands or farmers’ markets on the road or bought souvenirs I hadn’t expected. Since they remain upright in the car, they’re also great for organizing seasonal gear you might need on weekend trips, such as warm gloves, extra socks, or swim wear. Pick up SnapBaskets in 30L three packs on Amazon for $39! They also come in thermal versions.

Hot Logic Mini:

Here’s another back-to-school item for your college kid, which doubles for weekend trips! This portable mini oven cooks meals literally from scratch, reheats leftovers and keeps food hot for hours! It’s easy to use (and safe for kids to use after school), with no complicated dials or timers. Just pop a meal in the bag, plug it in and leave it alone. You can eat in a hour, or eight hours, and the food won’t burn. You can make dinner with it and leave it in a hotel room for a budget vacation meal, or college kids can reheat leftovers. Pick up the Hot Logic Mini for $39.95 on Amazon!

Every product above was tested by us personally, and is used by us. This post contains affiliate links; by clicking through to Amazon through us, you help us keep the lights on here at Pit Stops for Kids at no additional cost to you!

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Five back to school getaways to take right now!

August 26, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

September, October and November are the perfect months for short family back to school getaways. Kids (and parents!) are ready for a break from the busy back-to-school schedule, and hotels and resorts are less crowded and keen to offer fall discounts. Where to go to combine fun autumn activities with discounted lodging? We’ve checked out almost a dozen family trip ideas in the past few months in order to pass along our favorites school year getaways to you. Below is a round up of our top five getaway ideas across the country for a fall family getaway:

1. Omni Mount Washington, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire:

Not only do Omni Resorts go all-out for kids, but the Omni Mount Washington embraces Halloween with its very own ghost: be on the lookout for the widowed bride of the resort’s original owner, said to haunt the hotel. Supernatural happenings aside, the Mount Washington location offers outdoor activities perfect for fall. Families can hike or bike right from the resort, or take a day trip to explore the Mt. Washington Cog Railway or Crawford Notch State Park. Then introduce the kids to the fun of ‘leaf peeping’ along New Hampshire’s winding highways.

2. Northstar California, North Lake Tahoe, CA:

Beat the skiers to Tahoe with a trip to Northstar before the snow flies. (You might even get the added bonus of an early snowfall.) There’s plenty for families to do at Northstar in the fall, from biking and hiking to riding the gondola for views. Roller skating is available on the ice rink, and the village shops are sporting pre-season sales. We love the discounts to be found in the village condos or the homes for rent near the golf course. The beauty of Lake Tahoe is only minutes away, offering more hiking even if it’s too cold for a plunge.

3. House on Metolius, Sisters, Oregon:

House on Metolius is a fly fishing and hiking oasis tucked into the woods outside of Camp Sherman, OR (approximately 45 minutes from Bend). Families can choose between a cabin or lodge room stay, and explore this 200 acre property full of meadows, mountains, and wildlife. The Metolius River cuts right through the resort, allowing for no-hassle fishing and play. Hiking is nearby, as is kayaking on Suttle Lake. Mostly though, families will enjoy cozying up by the fireplace for some downtime.

4. WilloughVale Inn and Cottages, Lake Willoughby, Vermont:

This lake-side resort also offers both cabins and lodge rooms, and complimentary canoe rentals every day. Kids will enjoy the nearby Montshire Museum of Science, and parents will feel relaxed in the gorgeous fall foliage as they stop with the family at the many farmer’s markets and roadside stands. Fall discounts are available, and the dining ranges from gourmet farm-to-table to family diner style.

5. Blue Iguana Inn, Ojai CA:

It may not exactly feel like fall in Ojai, a desert retreat 90 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, but your family will feel as though you’ve gotten away from it all. Kids will love the lush garden grounds of the Blue Iguana, and the novelty of taking a dip in the outdoor pool and hot tub even in November. Parents will enjoy the art scene in town (there are plenty of galleries to haunt) and kids will be occupied by the large playground and many area hikes through botanical gardens. Visit a working olive oil factory or just hang out at the inn between meals in award-winning restaurants that still hold kid-appeal.

Photo credit: KimberlyKV.

The ultimate family road trip through Spain: coast, city, and country

August 10, 2021 By Sharlene Earnshaw

Guest post written by Katie Belle.

Road trips and relaxation may seem like an oxymoron when travelling with kids. But, in fact, our two were so caught up with the sense of adventure, there wasn’t even one cry of ‘Are we nearly there yet?’. From the arid hills of Andalusia to the ultra-safe waters of La Manga, and vibrant Valencia to the mild green province of Girona, our brood covered just over 1200km. But not once did the journey seem laborious. Here’s a road map of our itinerary, easily duplicated!

Day 1-2: Andalusia

Malaga is the perfect starting point for a Spanish road trip as the airport offers plenty of international connections and has a range of car rental companies on site. All the hot spots of the Costa del Sol are within easy striking distance.

We head off for a little r and r in the rolling Andalusian hills. The villages of the Axarquia region are without doubt some of the most picturesque in all of Spain and our first stop is a sugarcube-esque villa just outside Comares. Our little ones are happy splashing about in the pool, which overlooks mile upon mile of orange groves and farmland. But, we do venture out to drive further up the Montes de Málaga foothills until we reach Comares itself.

Sitting atop a cliff some 725 metres above sea level, it’s not for those with a fear of heights. But the views are nothing short of spectacular, stretching down to Lake Vinuela and beyond. We hire donkeys for the children and follow the walking route of ceramic footprints which guide you around the narrow village streets.

But, no visit to the Costa del Sol would be complete without sampling some of this region’s bustling beachlife, so we’re soon back on the open road, heading down to the Mediterranean coastline to Nerja. It’s often referred to as the jewel of the Costa del Sol, and we can see why. The promenade is lined with cafés and restaurants, with musicians and mime artists keeping families, taking early evening strolls, entertained.

Day 3: La Manga

From Nerja, it’s a straightforward journey along the A7, which skirts the coastline, to our next destination, La Manga. After a week with only parental company, our kids are longing for other children to play with, so this is the perfect stop-off.

With a myriad of swimming pools to choose from, we opt for the complex at Los Molinos (the windmill), where the toddler pool is safe enough for our little boy and the bigger pool is challenging enough for our elder daughter. There are restaurants a plenty in the resort, but our favourite is the tapas bar in Bellaluz Square, where our daughter discovers a penchant for Spanish meatballs.

My last night is spent horse riding with my daughter on a trek from the on-site stables at La Manga through fields and down to the beach. We can’t ride on the beach in the summer season, but you can in winter so we’re determined to come back. We meet up with my other half and our youngest for a meal at La Canela, in a laid-back setting next to the riding centre. As dusk fell, the candles were lit and our prawns with garlic sauce, accompanied by a chilled bottle of white wine arrived. The children were able to run around beside the stables in safety. It truly was a magical evening.

Day 4: Valencia

Our shortest visit during our road trip to Spain was to Valencia, Spain’s third largest city. But, while it was short, it was certainly sweet, with impressive family friendly attractions. The Bioparc Valencia is the best zoo any of us have ever visited, with enclosures which faithfully recreate African habitats but allow visitors to get as close as can be to the animals. We walk within touching distance of the Madagascan lemurs – although there is a park warden there to make sure you don’t – before lunching in full view of the zoo’s resident giraffes.

The city’s Aquarium, the L’Oceanográfic, is no less impressive – on a par only with Cape Town’s Two Oceans. The biggest aquarium in Europe, it is home to 500 species from the world’s main marine ecosystems, with a dolphinarium containing a staggering 24 million litres of water.

Day 5: Girona

From city to country, our road trip is almost at an end, as we’re dropping our hire car off in Girona airport. But we’ve just time to squeeze in a few days at one of the country retreats surrounding Girona’s centre. With a grown-up vibe, there’s also a playground and mini-farm to keep our little ones happy. And, we can think of no better end to our journey as we enjoy Catalan specialities overlooking the swimming pool and the farmland beyond as the sun sets on our Spanish road trip.

Image credit: Bart & Co and elyob

Guest author Katie, a food and travel blogger from the UK, took her family on a road trip through Spain last year and is currently planning this year’s adventure. You can connect with her on twitter @delightsomeblog.

Don’t leave for vacation without safeguarding your home

August 10, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Vacationing might be an effective way to get away from your house, job, school, and everyday responsibilities for a while, but you always intend to come back. When you’re away from your home, many things could go wrong if you haven’t adequately prepared. Home repair problems, natural disasters, vandalism, and even burglaries can occur, putting a damper on your mood and finances. As no one wants to return from vacation with many problems to resolve, it’s best to take care of these things in advance.

Yardwork

When you’re planning a vacation, chances are you’re not thinking about mowing the lawn and trimming the trees. However, it is an essential step to safeguard your living space. Properties that appear unkempt from the outside are often targets for burglars. It gives the appearance that no one is home and creates plenty of hiding and access points.

That’s why you should take care of your lawn before your trip. Cut the grass, trim bushes and trees, and put away temptations like grills, swimming pools, and lawn furniture. If you’re going to be gone for a while, you should also consider hiring a landscaping company to keep up with basic maintenance until you return.

Maintenance And Repairs

Leaving your home for an extended period of time without handling maintenance and repairs could turn into a disaster. Take a roofing problem, for instance. Let’s say you go on vacation knowing there’s a small leak in the roof. Then, a nasty thunderstorm results in a more extensive leak, water damage, and mold.

If you had taken care of the problem before going on vacation, you could avoid coming home to an expensive mess. Learn how to hire a good roofer and have your property serviced in advance. Even if that means you’ll have to dip into your vacation fund to cover the costs, it’s better than the outcome.

Weather Prep

Natural disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes can develop at any moment, leaving properties in shambles. Although you can’t prevent everything, every homeowner is encouraged to take precautions. When planning a vacation, be sure to check the weather in your hometown while you’re away.

If there’s a storm predicted or you live in an area where natural disasters are common, you should prepare your home before you leave. Securing outdoor furniture, boarding up windows, and having the sub-pump system serviced in advance can save you a lot of frustration should lousy weather persist.

Security Systems

You’d be surprised how many homeowners go on vacation without adequately securing their property. Consequently, they return to a house that’s been vandalized or burglarized that takes weeks or even months to recover from. As most people have home security systems in their residences, they’re encouraged to ensure they’re set before you leave. You should also notify the security company that you’re going on vacation so they can keep a watchful eye and respond to potential threats faster.

Cleanliness

Vacationing is all about getting away from the norms to clear your mind. Coming home to a dirty, cluttered, and messy house can undo all the emotional benefits of getting away. As unclean spaces can heighten feelings of stress and anxiety, it’s best to clean your home before your trip.

Dedicate a few hours to clean and organize your house from top to bottom. You can enlist the help of family members or hire a professional cleaning crew to assist you. That way, you have a clean, safe, and healthy environment to return to. It provides peace of mind and makes getting back into everyday routines more manageable.

When you think of vacation planning, home prep is often a minimal consideration (if at all). While completing the above tasks may feel like a chore, it’s essential to safeguard your home. It reduces the risks of property damage while you’re away, giving you an added peace of mind and a sense of security. That way, you can enjoy the benefits of vacationing and return to a safe, decent, and comfortable living space.

Five ways to keep your kids content on a road trip

August 10, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Children are naturally energetic. They’re impatient and rambunctious. When you take your children on a trip with you, it changes the vibe completely. While you want to relax if you’re on vacation, it can be difficult having kids around. This is particularly the case for road trips, when there is a lot of extra time sitting in the car. Luckily there are a few great tactics to help keep your children happy and content while being on the road for hours at a time. Here are a few of those tips to make sure the whole family stays in a good mood.

Be Clear about Durations of Drives

When you’re about to be on the road for hours, you might think that it’s a good idea to string your kids along and avoid telling them how long the drive will be. This is actually the wrong move. You should prepare them for it by telling them how long the drive will be, when you will stop, and what the final destination for the day is. It’s important to give them something to look forward to, which is why planning fun stops is so helpful. Whether you’re stopping at a national park or just a roadside attraction, giving your children something to look forward to will keep them content.

Plan Refueling

While you may have the idea that you should stop early to get gas as a tactic to quell your child’s impatience, this can actually lead to a distorted perspective on how long it is. It’s vital not to stop so often so when you do it’s for food, fun, and fuel. This is also imperative for those who drive electric cars because they need to plan where they will charge on public EV charging stations. It offers a clear plan for when you need to stop so map those out on your way and tell your children when and why you will be stopping. Managing expectations is a huge part of keeping your children happy on the road.

Reward Them for Good Behavior

Along the way, if your child is behaving you should reward them for it. When they’re quiet and polite, drive through their favorite fast food or go out of the way to stop somewhere they like. Whatever attraction, restaurant, sweet, or activity your children like can be a great way to reward them for good behavior and keep them content for the hours ahead.

Bring Snacks

One thing that’s essential for road trips is snacks. Healthy and tasty snacks are a great way to pass the time, avoid getting hungry, and wait to stop. You should, of course, limit the intake of fluids the kids have so you don’t have to stop for the bathroom every 50 miles. Snacks are essential when you’re on the road, but don’t bring things that are unhealthy. If your child eats a whole bag of chips, they will feel poorly and need to go to the bathroom. It’s all about balance. Bring the right amount of good, healthy, and filling snacks but don’t pack too much junk food.

Plan Bathroom Breaks

The biggest delay when you’re on a road trip is the bathroom break. You should be clear with your kids that you are going to stop on scheduled stops to go to the bathroom. This should coincide with when you need to fuel your car. Tell your kids that you will stop a certain number of times to go to the bathroom and they will have to wait if they don’t go to the bathroom when you stop. If you’re clear, your children will get the point.

These aren’t just the only tips to make sure your children are content during a road trip, but they are a great place to start. Talk to your kids. Be clear about what the plan is, what they will get when they are good, and where you will stop for fun, food, and fuel. It doesn’t matter where you are going, how long it will take, and what your child is prone to do, you can make the road trip with the family super fun and exciting.

What’s included on a Royal Caribbean cruise

August 6, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Going on an all-inclusive cruise can be a great way to keep to a budget during a family vacation…as long as you know what’s included in your cruise fare and what will cost you extra. Unless you’re a frequent cruiser or a Crown and Anchor member with perks, you’ll want to know what’s included on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Included on a Royal Caribbean cruise:

Beverages:

filtered tap water
milk
tea
coffee (regular and decaf)
lemonade
iced tea
flavored waters
juices (at breakfast and not fresh squeezed)
Hot chocolate (via instant packets)

You can get the tap water at any bar or dining area, or fill your own water bottle at Windjammer (buffet area). If you go with the latter, you’ll need to fill a glass, then empty the glass into your water bottle. This is a health precaution.

You can also order beverages on the room service menu for free, though if you order coffee and juice to your room, for instance, note that you’ll be expected to tip. If you want Starbucks coffee or any speciality coffees in the bars, they will cost you extra.

Tip: the free coffee in the dining room is pretty high quality. If you drink a lot of water as we do, you can either refill your bottle with tap water, or use a water bottle with an added filter, such as a LifeStraw Go.

If you want cocktails (or mocktails), bottled water, wine, beer, specialty coffee and tea, or freshly squeezed juices, you’ll need to pay a la carte for these items or purchase a beverage plan (more on that below).

Dining:

Cruise guests can opt for either a set dining time or flexible My Time dining, and either will be held at the main dining rooms of your cruise ship. On our Liberty of the Seas ship, you could also eat at the Windjammer buffet (open extended hours), Jade Cafe, Cafe Promenade, Sorrentos, Sprinkles, and the poolside grille that’s open during day time hours. You can also eat at Johnny Rockets for a $4.95 cover charge per dine-in or take-out order.

Tip: I was told that Johnny Rockets offers made-to-order omelettes in the morning without a cover charge. I did not experience this personally.

Chops Grill and Portofino cost extra in the form of a cover charge of about $25 per person, and the Cupcake Cupboard and Ben & Jerry’s costs extra, as does Starbucks. (The free coffee at the Cafe Promenade is Seattle’s Best.)

Families can upgrade their dining experience to include the upscale restaurants with a specialty dining package, that I think is a good value, though not necessary.

Activities on board:

You’ve got your standard entertainment options (comedians, musicals, and singers) included in your cruise cost, as well as items such as climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and water play areas (availability depends on ship). The equipment in the fitness center is also included, as is the basketball court. What will cost you extra:

special exercise classes
spa services
gambling (obviously)
some specialty activities, such as classes (though some are free)

Should you get a drink package?

At around $45 per person, per day for the ONLY drink package that includes alcohol, buying all the adults packages can add up fast. Is it worth it? Do the math to see if it’s a value to you: we found that cocktails were around $10-12 each, and wine was about $8-10, so you broke even after about four drinks per day. That’s about two more than I usually have, so for me, it wasn’t worth it.

Note: The package is only $45 if you order it online before your cruise; later it jumps up another 20%.

There’s a lesser package that includes soda, bottled water, juice, and specialty coffees and teas, but again, I found that I wouldn’t use it enough: I don’t drink soda and could get the coffee, juice, and water I needed for free. Lastly, there’s a bottled water only package, that I would only consider if you must have bottled water instead of filtered.

Can you share a drink package?

No, but…well, yes. It’s against the rules, but certainly I have seen reports of people doing it. You could have one person order cocktails, wine, or beer (or bottled water for that matter) for more than one person at bars. At dinner, you’d be out of luck.

Can you bring drinks or food onboard?

No, with the exception of two bottles of wine per stateroom, in your carry on, at embarkation. Again, I have certainly seen people break this rule, but personally don’t think it’s worth the risk.

Do you have tips for new cruisers? What’s included on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Photo credit

Cruise planning: Cruise line comparison chart and more

August 3, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

A cruise is a great way to enjoy multiple destinations while only unpacking once. Cruisers combine the convenience of an all-inclusive resort with the adventure of ports of call and international experiences. However, planning a cruise involves a special set of considerations that planning your average trip does not. How will you get to your departure port? Should you book excursions ahead of time? What does your ship include in the fare? Here’s what you need to know to plan the perfect cruise, using our cruise line comparison chart and more!

Cruise line comparison: what Type of Cruiser do You Want to be?

Source: Fix.com Blog

The first decision to make in the cruise planning process is to pick the type of cruise that’s best for you. If budget is a primary factor, a large, budget cruise ship will work nicely. Most sail for 5–7 days to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Central America, and Alaska. Large cruise ships mean bigger crowds but they offer more onboard amenities, like multiple restaurants, pools, rock-climbing walls, and bigger gyms and spas. They’re almost always family friendly and have many dining options. If budget is not a concern but onboard amenities are still important, opt for a mid-sized luxury ship, which will be more personalized with great service and (usually) true all-inclusiveness, with drinks and exercise classes included in your fare.

If unique ports of call and an active itinerary are more important to you than onboard amenities, consider a small cruise ship. These ships, which hold fewer than 200 passengers in most cases, are highly personalized, and they can stop at smaller ports off the beaten path. Many small cruise ships include daily opportunities to snorkel, kayak, hike, and photograph wildlife, but they will cost more than traditional cruises.

Once you’ve decided on the type of cruising that works for you, it’s time to pick a cruise line. Compare lines by looking at their destination ports (where do you want to leave from?), the itineraries they offer (this is where you’ll choose between tropical cruises, Alaskan cruises, and European cruises, for instance), and their levels of inclusiveness.

Note that while virtually all cruise lines include room and board in their fares, some are truly all-inclusive, including alcohol, all excursions, and activities. Most charge extra for drinks, some onboard activities, and all excursions. Almost all lines prohibit bringing your own liquor or beer onboard, though most allow up to two bottles of wine. Ships store wine and liquor purchased at ports until disembarkation. Cruise lines that do not include alcohol in their cruise fares offer alcohol packages; do the math to determine whether such a package makes sense for you.

Planning Your Cruise Transportation and Getting Settled

Once you’ve settled on a cruise, it’s time to figure out how you’ll get to your embarkation port. One thing all cruises have in common is that they will leave without you. Therefore, plan to arrive the day before your departure if you’re flying to your port and plan to arrive several hours before boarding time if driving. You can even plan to drive the day before and stay the night at a port-side hotel (many will allow you to park your car there instead of at the port for less money).

If you’re flying to your port, look for a pre-cruise hotel that offers a shuttle service to your cruise or that is within an easy Uber fare. Check in online before you arrive to the port for ease of boarding; almost all cruise lines offer this service. Be sure to bring the paperwork that your cruise line requires, including your passport. Most cruise lines allow you to start the embarkation process by 11:30 am on the day of departure, which gives passengers time to eat a leisurely lunch while waiting for their staterooms to be ready.

Tip: Pack a day bag with swimsuits and essentials so you don’t have to wait for your bag to be delivered before enjoying the pool. Consider booking a massage or other spa service for your embarkation day to get you into “cruise mode.” These services are usually discounted on the first day.

Making the Most of Cruise Excursions

While onboard amenities are fun, you probably aren’t going on a cruise just to stay on the ship at every port. To avoid long lines at guest services during your cruise, book your excursions online before departure if you’re booking them through the cruise line. If you’re booking excursions independently, plan to book them for mid-morning on your days in port since many large cruise ships give priority disembarkation to passengers booked on cruise-specific excursions. Booking independently has its perks, however – you’ll usually save some money, you’ll help the local economy by paying tour operators directly, and you’ll avoid crowds of cruise passengers. To find safe, reputable excursions on your own, contact the local tourism board before your trip and make arrangements with verified businesses ahead of time. However, it’s important to remember the first rule of cruising: your cruise WILL leave without you if you’re not back on time. If your ship has limited time at a port (under 6–8 hours), it’s usually safest to book official cruise line excursions that guarantee your prompt return to the ship.

Planning to Disembark

At the end of your cruise, you’ll likely have an early-morning disembarkation. The process is known to go slowly since all passengers need to go through customs, but you can make it go faster by hanging onto your carry-on luggage (instead of putting it out the night before). Have your paperwork ready, and schedule a late-afternoon or evening flight home to be on the safe side.

Source: Fix.com Blog

Uncruise review of Costa Rica and Panama: Why small ship cruising is great for families

July 27, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Every so often, we are lucky enough to experience a trip that sets our bar higher for family travel excellence. Before we embarked on our Uncruise adventure through Costa Rica and Panama, the bar was already pretty darn high…we had experienced small ship sailing previously with Alaskan Dream Cruises and frankly, didn’t think it could be topped. While there were a few differences, Uncruise met our very high expectations, earning it a place in the top five of our list of best travel experiences. Here’s why:

Uncruise review: Why you need to book a small ship cruise

First, let’s talk about what ‘Uncruise’ actually means. It’s a travel company, of course, and after experiencing their product, I understand the reason for their somewhat unique name. Uncruise is unlike large ship cruises in every way. Like other small ship cruise companies, they are all about getting you off the ship, exploring the destinations en route. They are not a floating resort (though the ships are very cool…more on that later). On a large ship cruise, such as a Disney cruise, the ship is the destination. On Uncruise, the ship is the vessel that delivers you to the action. On our Uncruise ship, I felt satisfied that I had actually seen and experienced the countries we were cruising to. On a large ship, I never feel that way…I am simply floating past with brief stops.

Riding the skiff from our ship to an isolated island.

On a small ship cruise such as Uncruise, you will be active every day. My Apple Watch informed me that I walked and hiked an average of six miles a day on our Uncruise; it was a rare day when I didn’t garner at least 15,000 steps. Why am I sharing my fitness tracker stats? Because they prove how much exploration and activity we engaged in during our week in Costa Rica and Panama. Every single day, with one exception when surf conditions didn’t allow for a beach landing, we kayaked, hiked, paddle boarded, or snorkeled. Because we were in a small ship, we quite literally had islands to ourselves, and were almost always the only ship anchored at the eco lodges, reserves, and national parks we visited.

The Safari Voyager, our home for seven nights.

Note: the itinerary we sailed on with Uncruise will now be called Unveiled Wonders. There are additional itineraries that sail only Panama and only Costa Rica, if that’s preferred, but I recommend seeing both countries.

What you can expect from your Uncruise itinerary:

During our Central America itinerary, our days took on a predictable cadence, which was nice, because the destination and activities were always changing. On our Panama and Costa Rica itinerary, we experienced the following stops (which I’m told are similar to upcoming itineraries):

A transfer through the Panama Canal
Gulf of Panama islands
Granito de Oro and Coiba National Park, Panama
Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Osa Conservation Area, CR
Manuel Antonio National Park, CR
Curu National Wildlife Refuge, CR

As you can see from the names of our destinations, our trip was primarily focused on outdoor exploration and wildlife viewing. We did experience some cultural moments of discovery, namely in the canal when we learned about its construction and in Coiba, where we saw one of General Noriega’s homes (now a historical site) and one of his penal colonies (now a deserted island), but overall, ours was not a cultural itinerary.

Kayaks brought from our ship to the beach by crew members for one of our ‘beach parties’.

At each day’s stop, we had multiple options in which to experience it: hikes and skiff rides were offered, as well as water activities where possible. Our family’s favorite offerings included hiking in the morning, followed by snorkeling or swimming in the afternoon. Uncruise ‘beach parties’ were offered whenever we anchored next to a sandy beach, which was often. At every stop, our on-board expedition guides led small groups within these activities, and guided us on our excursions.

A sample day with Uncruise in Central America:

As noted above, the routine of our days took on a predictable cadence, which was nice. While the timing changed insignificantly here and there to accommodate our route, every day on our Uncruise looked something like this:

Yoga on the sun deck at 6:15 am (ha, only made it to that once)
Breakfast around 7:30 am (with a continental breakfast set out earlier for those who were up)
Morning excursions rolling out from about 8:30-9:30 (depending on what group you’re in and which leader you’re going with)
Morning excursions over and back on the ship by 12 pm for lunch
Lunch for everyone around 12:30 or 1 pm
Afternoon excursions rolling out around 2 pm (sometimes, there’s a transfer to a new location first)
Afternoon excursions back to the ship around 4:30, giving everyone time to shower and freshen up
Evening cocktail hour and appetizers at 5:30 (this is when the expedition leaders give a spiel on the following day’s itinerary and guests sign up for the next day’s excursion options)
Dinner around 6:30 pm
Evening presentation by expedition leaders around 8 pm (for those with kids going to bed, the evening talk is piped into the onboard sound system in your cabins)
Pass out asleep around 10 pm…you’ll be tired!

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Guide to family cruising in Croatia with kids

July 14, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Sailing holidays are perfect for families, where you can set your pace and plan your own schedule, especially if you have children on board as well. Moreover, you stay together like a well-knit group in your floating home as you sail off the stunning Croàtian coastline. Check out this handy guide for a multi-activity family cruise in Croatia.

A guide to family cruising in Croatia with the kids!

Best time to sail

The best time to go sailing in Croatia is between April and September. The periods of calm prevail in July and August, which makes it ideal for those sailing with children as the waters are smooth. The weather is perfect for swimming, water sports or simply relaxing on the deck with the family.

Age restrictions

Sailing companies in Croatia usually have a lower age limit of four years for sailing trips with children. There are some flotillas you can book that have no restrictions at all, though in some cases you have to carry life jackets for your children who are under four years. To operate the dinghy the minimum age is 16 years, and no one below 16 is to be left without supervision at all times.

Choice of vessel

There are four different types of vessels you can opt for, but you will need to match one with your requirements.

Sailboats: They are slow, so charter one if you have a lot of stops to make and plenty of time to spare.
Catamarans: If you are looking for plenty of space and stability then catamarans are the best choice for large groups and especially those with children.
Motor Yacht: A skippered motor yacht is a good choice if you are short on time and wish to explore as much of Croatia as possible.
Gulets: With huge open decks and short sailing hours limited to 3-4 a day, this is another exciting option if you are sailing with children.

Onboard amenities

Your sailing vessel should have a nice salon with TV
The chef should be flexible enough in meal preparation for children
Believe it or not but most children would rather have pizza or pasta than shrimp.
Crew should be kid friendly and willing to keep an eye on the kids should you decide to wander into town for a glass of wine.

Packing advice

It is hard to imagine that you will need anything more than a swimsuit as you will be spending most of the cruise time over water. However, there are umpteen places onshore for which you will have to be prepared. So remember to pack these essentials on your family sailing holiday across the Adriatic:

Swimwear
A jacket
Games for children
An inflatable
Sunscreen and moisturizer.
Travel towel
Waterproof camera
A small daypack
Rash vest
Medication
Insect repellent

Safety

Cruise ships in Croatia are known for their safety and adhering to the rigid maritime laws of the country. So you have nothing to worry about on a family cruise apart from sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the views and the experience with the ones you love the most.